I'm with anyone who wants the Union Bears banned — their trouble causes no good and we've got to rid the game of that element. But it's maddening how every bit of bother gets lumped into the 'Old Firm' basket as if that explains everything. The issue isn't a mythical entity called the Old Firm; it's individuals and the way some people at clubs respond to them.

Not just an Old Firm problem

Look, trouble happens at many grounds and deserves punishment wherever it comes from. You can absolutely criticise our lot when they've done wrong — in fact, you should — but the opposite club shouldn't get a free pass simply because it's convenient for pundits and police to attach a label. When problems happen away from an Old Firm tie, painting them as 'Old Firm' hooliganism lets the real culprits off the hook.

Club responsibility matters

The point that sticks with me is the reaction from those running clubs. They came out and refused to condemn certain groups, and O'Neil is still making comments defending them. When people at the top are ambivalent, what message does that send to fans? To be fair, not every official is the same, but leadership tone matters. If the directors and managers make clear, consistent condemnation, it sets a standard. If they don't, the behaviour is more likely to repeat.

Consistent action, every time

We need uniform consequences. Punish individuals and named groups when they step out of line, at any fixture, not just when it's convenient to frame a narrative. Ban groups where there's evidence, enforce travel restrictions where appropriate, and make sure clubs who can't or won't take a stand face sanctions. It's not about scoring points in the Old Firm debate — it's about making the game safer for everyone.

Supporters have a role too. Don't glorify the trouble, don't travel to add fuel, and use fans' groups to push clubs for clearer policies. If ordinary supporters keep calling for consistency, that pressure works. We can have pride without the rot.

I'm happy to see fans demanding action against the Union Bears, but let's be honest: don't hide behind the Old Firm tag. Call out the troublemakers, call out the officials who defend them, and demand that clubs take the same stance every time. Only then will this stop being a lazy headline and start being a solution.

Written by Kaiser79: 10 August 2026

Tags: squad